Tangent, Trinity’s ideas workspace, today launched the Open Incubator, a platform for young innovators to connect and collaborate on the issues of the day.
The platform aims to help Ireland address global challenges by turning social and commercial business ideas into entrepreneurial ventures. It was developed in response to demand for a centralised innovation community for participants of Tangent.
Speaking at the launch today, Provost Linda Doyle said: “Tangent’s work has been pivotal in securing Trinity’s position as European leader in student entrepreneurship, and the Open Incubator really is an extension of this great work and pedigree.”
“This dynamic entrepreneurial network will further Trinity’s reach and consolidate its innovation efforts by creating a digital platform for the best and brightest innovators Ireland has to offer.”
Launched by Tangent’s innovation partner Bank of Ireland, the pioneering platform aims to facilitate networking between entrepreneurs to discuss topics such as climate sustainability, creative arts and artificial intelligence.
In a press statement, CEO of Tangent Ken Finnegan described it as a “game changer for Irish student entrepreneurship”.
“Tangent’s Open Incubator combines best practice in start-up community development to create an accessible, adaptable, and scalable innovation model that puts students first”, he said.
“It will empower them to collaborate on shared passions and develop solutions at their own pace while leveraging peer-to-peer support.”
All members have an opportunity to be selected for a Tangent Start-Up Showcase that connects original ventures with pathways to future opportunities.
Tangent is Trinity’s “ideas workspace” which aims to educate and train students in innovation of entrepreneurship for students.
It was first launched in 2018 and has been supported by Bank of Ireland since.
Bank of Ireland CEO Francesca McDonagh said: “As we look to a post-COVID future that must be radically different and more sustainable, fostering more collaboration and the generation of new ideas about how we work, live, learn and do business is more important than ever.”
“I hope that Tangent and Open Incubator can play a strong role in finding the solutions we need to some of the pressing challenges we face today”.
